U.S. 85 widening to last through spring 2022
By Chris Michlewicz
A road-widening project on U.S. 85 between Sedalia and Louviers is expected to impact Castle Pines motorists through spring 2022.
The $23.7 million project – a joint effort between Douglas County and the Colorado Department of Transportation – aims to accommodate an increase in traffic resulting from population growth. The widening will ease congestion, improve access to side streets and left-turn lanes, improve drainage, enhance safety, add wildlife fencing and create a new bridge.
Known as the “mini gap,” the 2.5-mile stretch will be widened from two to four lanes. Most construction work will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, with some night work planned and occasional weekend work is possible.
Fortunately, a widening project on C-470 between Kipling Parkway and I-25 was finished last spring, and commuters going to and from Castle Pines have a potentially-quicker route to take if they want to avoid the construction zone on U.S. 85.
The road improvements extending from CO 67 to Titan Road are consistent with citizen feedback received through countywide surveys in 2017 and 2019, said County Commissioner and Board Chair Roger Partridge.
“Thanks to county voter approval of Ballot Issue 1A last November, we are able to accelerate our investment to U.S. 85 corridor improvements,” Partridge said, adding the county is “pleased to be able to support countywide, growth management-related transportation projects.”
The work by the contractor, Castle Rock Construction Company of Colorado, LLC, is the result of a collaboration between the county and the state.
“We have a long-standing tradition of partnering with CDOT, as well as others, to improve the State Highway system within Douglas County,” said County Commissioner and Vice Chair Lora Thomas. “Cost sharing in these primary corridors allows us to improve safety and sustain our mobility.”
In the coming weeks, motorists will see construction activity on the east side of U.S. 85. During the course of the project, there will be occasional lane closures that shift traffic to a single lane in each direction. Drivers can expect delays of 5-10 minutes. Extra caution should be used during night work Tuesday and Wednesday nights from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph through the work zone, with possible reductions to 40 mph when flaggers are present.
For more information on the U.S. 85 widening from Sedalia to Louviers, visit www.codot.gov/projects/us85-widening-louviers or call the project hotline at 720-356-4440.
